LUBBOCK, Texas— Lubbock native Juanita Lara was diagnosed with lymphoma and tongue cancer in April 2024, and went into chemotherapy shortly following at University Medical Center.
In January 2025, she began to develop a tumor and had to start a round of stronger chemo, becoming weaker in the process.
In the following months, she was often hospitalized due to her condition. Nevertheless, she remained a symbol of positivity and hope for her family.
“My daughter was an outgoing person. She was funny, she was sweet. She would make your day better than her own,” Priscilla Lara, mother of Juanita Lara, said. “She was never judgmental, she loved everybody.”
Juanita began to develop abscesses behind her neck, which spread to her brain and spine. This condition left her in pain and restless. Tragically, she ultimately lost her life to pneumonia on Saturday. Leaving behind her husband, Matthew, and their four-year-old son.
“It was a battle. It was a very tough battle,” Priscilla said. “I wouldn’t wish this on anybody. If you have your kids, love them because you don’t want to feel the pain that I feel. That goes to any mother out there, any father.”
“She was a good mom, a good wife. We really have a lot of memories and all of them are good because that’s my little sister.” Daniella, the older sister of Priscilla, stated.
Her family is seeking the community’s support during this time. They are selling plates at the Open Church, located at 3707 Avenue Q, and t-shirts to raise money for funeral costs and to honor their name and legacy on Tuesday at 1 p.m.
Daniella said, “The money all really is just going to the funeral home. I just want to get her buried the right way.”
Juanita’s mother told EverythingLubbock.com that everyone should support one another and forgive, as life can end unexpectedly.
“Love one another and be there for each other, forgive each other, and just spend as much time with your family because you never know when anybody’s going to go, we’re here on borrowed time,” Daniella said.
You can find the GoFundMe campaign to help lay Juanita Lara to rest here.
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